Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Sometimes, as in this case, the patterned paper is so beautiful, it's best not to embellish it. The scalloped circle carstock die is just enough to separate the stamped image from the gorgeous background.

Monday, February 27, 2012

This image is one of many beautiful ones from Stamps Happen, Inc., now owned by Janlynn http://www.janlynn.com/rubber-stamps/. Once again, I thought the paper roses from I Am Roses were a perfect fit. Though they are dimensional, the flowers are not too bulky to be mailed.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

To create these "glass tiles", I adhered a brass stencil of squares to the patterned paper and applied Versafine ink, making sure that the ink only went inside the open squares and not past the outside edges of the stencil. After removing the stencil, I applied clear embossing powder and heated it. This can be done as I have, on patterned paper, or over a stamped image.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

This is one of my own stamps that I made 6 images from, but never put to use. In the following posts, you will see different ways in which I used the same stamp. This purple paper frame, cut from an oval Spellbinder, adds lovely texture to the card. Heat embossing provides raised boundaries to make colouring with markers easier.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

This image, given to me, is from an Embossing Arts stamp. I coloured the image with copics, but found the background too stark, so I sprayed it with Frost Glimmer Mist. A good "Thinking of You" card, or a birthday card for the fisherman in your life.

Friday, February 17, 2012

This card could be used for any occasion. An invitation comes to my mind. I used one of many images that I have collected over the years. In the past, stampers often participated in image swaps and this is how I got this one. Each person would mail 10 of the same stamped images to the swap host, along with a self addressed & stamped enveloped, in exchange for 10 different stamped images.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

I am a huge fan of this striped ribbon, which comes in a variety of colours. However, its width does present a challenge to use on A2 sized cards. I was pleased to have the bow perfectly fill the space above my focal point on this card front.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The curve of pearls in diminishing sizes adds weight to the left hand side of the card layout, balancing the design. I thought the pearls also brought attention to the Perfect Pearls on the embossed, die cut heart.

Friday, February 10, 2012

I can't say enough about the paper flowers from I Am Roses. Deb is working on carrying this product line. I chose white flowers in order to colour them as I choose, with Glimmer Mist. In this case, I used Chalkboard Cotton Candy. The flowers dried variegated, making them look very realistic. Iused a chipboard die cut heart to support them. The blurry scan (due to the dimension of the card front), does not do this card justice.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

How would you like to get hand made birthday cards on your special day? With sufficient interest, I would like to start a Birthday Card Club on this blog. Formerly, I was involved in something similar, however, because it was not mandatory to issue cards, I was disappointed to find myself mailing many and not being the recipient of the same. I would like this club to require every participant to issue every member a card within 15 days of their birthday. Failure to do so would mean removal of that person from the list. Participation would require that each member would have to provide me with their date of birth (year not required), their e-mail address and their postal address. This information would be distributed to the club members ONLY. The recipients of cards would be required to post their appreciation on the blog. Keep in mind that cards will be of varying styles, from simple to elaborate, depending on the preference of the artist. Scans of the cards would also be appreciated, but I believe that I would have to upload them to the blog after you e-mailed them to me. Members could also, but would not be required to, include Card Recipes. I have also received thoughtful items, such as stickers or die cuts, in my cards. This wouldn't be necessary either, but it is a nice surprise. This is a great way of sharing and learning from one another.

Please give serious consideration to your ability to commit to this endeavour. "Flakers" will not be appreciated. Membership will be limited to 24 Canadian residents, in order to anticipate the annual cost. I hope I have addressed all concerns. E-mail me with your comments and questions at nataliecerilli@sympatico.ca and I will determine if this idea is feasible by March 1st. I look forward to hearing from you.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

I used hearts of varying sizes and patterns to create interest. A strong, patterned background paper had to be "buffed" but a softer patterned background behind the die cut hearts. Distress Ink also softened the elements.